Explore Wat Yai Chaimongkhon

This monastery is also known as Wat Phra Chao Phya-thai and Wat Yai Chai-mongkol. The main Chedi here stands 62 meters high and took over 28,000 tons of bricks to construct. The chedi was constructed in 1357 by King U-Thong for monks who had been studying Buddhism in Ceylon. Upon their return, the King named the Monastery, Wat Chao Phya-thai which means "The Temple of the Supreme Patriarch".

Later, the chedi was renamed Phra Chedi Chai-mongkol, meaning Auspicious Victory, to commemorate a victory over the Burmese. It is a bit unclear how exactly the named transferred from Chai-Mongkol to Chai-Mongkhon.

Chai-Mongkhon is a beautiful location and the chedi are fairly well preserved. There is much erosion of the brick, especially on the main chedi and steps ascending to the top. The grounds are open with little shade. Surrounding the main chedi are lines of ceramic Buddhas. A very impressive sight. There is also a large Reclining Buddha at the location.

There is a 20 Baht fee to enter (about 60 cents). Well worth it!  You will need a Tuk Tuk driver to take you around all the sites of Ayutthaya.  This was one of the first my driver took me to.